Conducts investigations and/or hearings related to health and social services benefits, insurance claims, criminal violations, or parole eligibility.
Positions in this class serve as independent adjudicators handling violation matters concerning offenders for correctional agencies, as investigators for court hearings, or as investigators of social services benefit, unemployment tax, and other cases. Some positions in this class may supervise other Hearings Officers.
Reviews parole violations and assesses nature of violation and criminal history. Travels to the county of offender's residence to initiate and conduct due process preliminary hearings as warranted. Determines appropriate disposition of violations, to include formal revocation hearings. Formulates sentence recommendations based upon application of sanction guidelines and makes other recommendations in appropriate cases. Acts as liaison with solicitors, defense attorneys, and judiciary in the preparation of investigation reports for the court. Reviews and researches files in appealed unemployment benefits, tax, and other cases related to social services benefits in preparation for agency hearings. Governs hearings and elicits evidence to be considered in issuing a decision. Rules on objections, motions, and rules of evidence which arise during the hearings. Prepares and maintains summaries of all hearings and dispositions. Proposes policy and procedural changes and enhancements relative to the adjudication function. Manages and directs a staff of hearings officers.
Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws and regulations. Knowledge of rules of quasi-judicial procedure and rules of evidence. Knowledge of due process requirements. Knowledge of parole related policies, practices, statutes, regulations, and court decisions. Knowledge of unemployment benefits and tax laws, rules of evidence, and other general laws that affect cases. Knowledge of Title II and Title XVI under the Social Security Act. Knowledge of medical terminology and vocational guidelines. Knowledge of interview techniques and community rehabilitation programs. Ability to develop, analyze, and compile complex offender and offense information. Ability to conduct administrative hearings, obtain testimony and evidence from witnesses, and rule on issues that arise during hearings. Ability to analyze and draw valid conclusions from oral and documentary evidence and to render clear and concise decisions. Ability to objectively weigh the nature and seriousness of violations. Ability to evaluate evidence against appropriate standards and make decisions. Ability to analyze data and exercise good judgement in a quasi-judicial setting. Ability to formulate appropriate sentence recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain necessary relationships with representatives of the Solicitor's Office, General Sessions Court, the local Bar Association, and the local community. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to manage a staff of hearings officers including the review of decisions.
Significant travel within the state may be required. Some positions require certification training mandated by the Law Enforcement Training Act for Special Purpose Officer Class 2 (SPO-2) within the probationary period of employment.
A bachelor's degree and experience in probation, parole, corrections, social services, or unemployment insurance as appropriate for the position.